The MHRA has ruled that the "popular" sports supplement Jack3D must be removed from the UK market after concerns over the potential health risks of its methylhexanamine (DMAA) content.

The medicines regulator has instructed retailers to remove the product and any other products that contain DMAA amid concerns that the supplement is linked with adverse reactions, from shortness of breath to heart attacks, which have resulted in at least one fatality.

DMAA is on the list of banned substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency and has been responsible for 137 doping violations worldwide.

The MHRA has cracked down on DMAA, found in Jack3D, which has been responsible for 137 doping violations worldwide

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The MHRA said it had recently taken action against "a number of" sports supplements because of the "potent" herbal ingredients they contained. MHRA medicines borderline section manager David Carter said people needed to be aware of the dangers when choosing sports supplements. "These products may claim to increase performance but contain powerful ingredients, which can have serious side-effects," he warned.

"We recommend that people only use approved products and speak to a qualified medical practitioner if they have any concerns about any supplements they may be taking."

UK Anti-Doping director of legal Graham Arthur called the MHRA's decision a "significant step forward for all competitive athletes". "Athletes who use sports supplements need to choose reputable manufacturers who can justify their claims with scientific evidence and have their products screened to minimise the risk of testing positive for a substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list," he said.